Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming External power supply for MC200

That's what I understood, switching power supplies can produce EMI and that could permeate the system reducing performance?

RFI / EMI is only an issue at the final Audio Endpoint, where high levels of RFI from a Network or Spinning Hard Drive COULD Potentially corrupt the Clock

This could then result in Higher Levels of Jitter on the SPDIF Output of that Endpoint, thereby impacting on Audio Performance

RFI Levels in the Sooloos Store is not an Issue that impacts in any way on the Audio Performance of the Endpoint

So, in the same way as different NAS's or PC's have Zero Impact on the performance of a Sonos or Squeezebox Touch...........then the Sooloos Store (and its possible RFI Levels) will have Zero Impact on the Audio Performance of a Sooloos Endpoint

P.S. the levels of RFI caused by moving Mb/s of Data at very high speeds around a Network are orders of Magnitude higher than potential RFI levels resulting from different Power Supplies

Thanks to all those who responded to my inquiry.

I currently use the analog RCA outputs of the MC200 into my integrated amp.

My goal is to "improve" the overall audio quality of the MC200's analog output.

Further down the road I'll likely add an outboard DAC to my system.

FWIW the MC200 is the sole Meridian component in my system.

Thanks kindly.

In that case I would think it is well worth the experiment to replace the standard switch mode power supply.

Good luck and please keep us in the loop

I'm taking a different path. I'm currently running the analog outs from the MC200 to a Schiit headphone amp. SPDIF runs to my Anthem preamp. Instead of trying to improve the MC200, I've decided to throw my money at a MS600 and let the MC200 just push bits over the network. I'll know in a week or so if I made the right decision.

CharlieU, there is no question about MS600 being vastly improved over the MC200 both digital and analog out.

+1
/Marcus

Alright pulled the trigger on the Teddy12V/4A Linear PSU. I want to see for myself once and for all if there is any improvement by powering an audio server that sends out a decoded PCM stream in UDP packets with a linear powersupply. I will also for the sake of it, dig up a few old linear PSU's for the switches/routers connected in between the MC200 and the ID40.

Description Unit price Qty Amount
Teddy12V/4A Power Supply
Item# 1126 $399.00 USD 1 $399.00 USD
Subtotal $399.00 USD
Shipping and handling $21.00 USD
Total $420.00 USD

That's the common opinion and the reason I decided to pursue that option to improve the sound of my Sooloos system. The MC200 is pretty darn good on it's own, but it's a multipurpose unit. I don't see mods like power supplies making a noticeable difference to the sound. A different DAC, maybe. A dedicated endpoint strikes me as a better option than spending time and money tinkering. No disrespect meant towards those who do it as I'm guilty of tinkering with computers and networks.

No offense taken whatsoever. I'm confident the MS600 is an improvement over the already satisfactory baseline performance of the MC200.

My objective was to see if relatively low cost expenditures like an external PSU would improve the MC200's audio output. My rational was to start with a PSU and when funds permit add either an external DAC or a MS600.

In other words, I want to see if I can tweak out a little better performance without spending lots of $.

I've used my MC200 with both the Playback Designs MPS-5 DAC section as well as with a Lindemann 825 DAC section with signifigant audible improvements. Sigh..If only money grew on trees.

Hi Matsaly,
For the record, I upgraded the power supply on my Squeezebox Touch and did get a noticeable audible difference (however it was not so massive as installing the SBT Toolbox V3)

If you consider the SQ Touch to be Logitech's equivalent of an Sooloos "End Point" then maybe it is possible to improve the "End Point" sound of a MC200 with an upgraded supply. My guess is that the difference would not be great.

If you do try it, please let us know how it goes.

/Marcus

Just wanted to report that I received the Teddy12V/4A Power Supply this morning and have swapped out the MC200 wall wart for this high-quality linear PSU.

Just played a few tracks to my ID40 and a three words popped up, nimble, focused and pure.

The shipping and handling was done very speedy, Teddy12V/4A PSU was 420$ incl. shipping and handling and EMS package delivered to door just a few days later. Thanks Teddy Pardo!